Harry Kane absent from Bayern Munich friendly against Jeju SK FC

Harry Kane and Michael Olise missed Bayern Munich's pre-season match against Jeju SK FC as the club prepares for contract negotiations amid transfer speculation.

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Panoramic photo of the Harry Kane statue and mural at the Peter May Sports Centre, Walthamstow, London
Photo: Ecco4k / CC BY via Wikimedia Commons · source

Harry Kane and Michael Olise missed Bayern Munich's pre-season friendly against Jeju SK FC as the club prepares for contract talks amid transfer speculation. Kane remains England captain and 2026 Ballon d'Or favourite at 10/11 odds.

Harry Kane and Michael Olise did not play in Bayern Munich's pre-season friendly against Jeju SK FC. Kane, the England captain and record goalscorer for both club and country, remains the odds-on favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or at 10/11, though his recent World Cup semi-final appearance ended in disappointment and has left his future at Bayern Munich uncertain. The 33-year-old striker has been linked with a contract extension beyond 2027, with the club planning talks as he nears his birthday later this month. His absence from the Jeju fixture raises questions about his readiness for the new season, especially as Bayern prepare to discuss his long-term future amid ongoing transfer speculation and renewed interest from Premier League clubs.

Kane and Olise sidelined for Jeju friendly

Harry Kane and Michael Olise were omitted from Bayern Munich’s pre-season friendly against Jeju SK FC. The match served as a fitness assessment ahead of the Bundesliga season, with both players listed among those absent. Their exclusion from the lineup was noted in early reports, though no official reason was provided. Kane, who has been with Bayern Munich since August 2023, is currently linked with contract discussions regarding a potential extension beyond 2027. His absence comes as the club evaluates physical readiness and tactical integration ahead of the competitive campaign. The friendly formed part of Bayern’s broader preparation schedule, with the team focusing on building cohesion and match sharpness. Kane’s participation in the game was not expected, reflecting ongoing adjustments following his return to training. His status remains under observation as the club balances workload management with long-term objectives.

Kane remains Ballon d'Or favourite despite World Cup disappointment

Harry Kane was omitted from Bayern Munich’s pre‑season friendly against Jeju SK FC, along with Michael Olise. The absence comes as Kane prepares for a potential return to Munich after his World Cup semi‑final appearance, where he earned his 121st cap for England. Despite the disappointment, he remains the 10/11 odds‑on favourite with talkSPORT BET to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. His current contract with Bayern Munich runs until next summer, and the club plans to open talks about a possible extension beyond 2027 as he approaches his 33rd birthday in late July 2026. Kane’s status as England’s record goalscorer and his tally of over 500 career goals keep him at the centre of Ballon d’Or discussions, even as speculation about his future persists. The club has also indicated it may explore options if his situation changes.

Bayern plan contract extension talks as Kane nears 33rd birthday

Bayern Munich are preparing to reopen contract negotiations with Harry Kane as he nears his 33rd birthday. The club wants to secure the striker beyond 2027, when his current deal expires next summer. Talks are expected to resume in the coming days after Kane returned from a brief absence. Bayern view the extension as a priority, even though his future has not been seriously threatened. The discussions come as Kane remains the 10/11 odds‑on favourite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, despite a World Cup semi‑final defeat that left his international outlook uncertain. Bayern’s interest in a new agreement reflects their desire to keep the England captain at the club as he approaches the latter stages of his career.

Harry Kane missed Bayern Munich’s 3-0 friendly win over Jeju SK FC alongside Michael Olise, a match the German side used to assess fitness ahead of the Bundesliga season.

The 33‑year‑old striker remains the odds‑on favourite at 10/11 with talkSPORT BET for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, even though England’s World Cup semi‑final defeat left his international outlook uncertain.

Barcelona have been mentioned as a possible destination, while former Tottenham striker Alan Shearer’s Premier League scoring record continues to be cited as a lure for Kane’s potential return to the Premier League.

No formal bid has been confirmed by either club, and Bayern have only indicated plans to open contract talks as Kane approaches his birthday later this month.

His current deal runs until next summer, and his future at both club and international level remains under discussion.

Frequently asked questions

Why didn't Harry Kane play for Bayern Munich in the friendly against Jeju SK FC?

Harry Kane and Michael Olise did not feature in Bayern Munich's pre-season friendly against Jeju SK FC, according to the briefing.

What are the odds Harry Kane will win the 2026 Ballon d'Or?

Harry Kane is the odds-on favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, priced at 10/11 with talkSPORT BET.

How many career goals has Harry Kane scored?

Harry Kane has scored over 500 career goals for club and country, according to the briefing.

When does Harry Kane's current Bayern Munich contract expire?

Harry Kane's current contract with Bayern Munich runs until next summer, which is summer 2027.

Is Harry Kane expected to leave Bayern Munich?

Bayern Munich are making contingency plans in case Harry Kane leaves, but his future in Germany is not currently considered to be in danger, according to the briefing.

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